AGP Executive Report

Independence Day & America 250: A new wave of coverage is pushing the holiday beyond fireworks—highlighting how the Declaration’s ideals still shape modern democracy, while also noting how deep political division is dampening celebration for some Americans. Voting rights fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and other attorneys general are co-leading opposition to a USPS proposal that would create a centralized voter list and restrict mail voting, arguing it threatens state control and access to ballots. Immigration & civil liberties: A federal judge blocked Philadelphia from requiring federal ICE officers to unmask or use marked vehicles, and local leaders held an interfaith vigil honoring people who died in ICE custody. Local culture & community: Bank of America’s “Museums on Us” offers free admission to Delaware Museum of Nature and Science over the July 4 weekend, and Delaware’s Indian River School District kept its property tax rate steady for 2026. Arts & entertainment: HBO’s “Task” is set to film Season 2 in Manayunk with street closures July 7–9. Sports & youth: Rehoboth Beach Barbell Club’s 10-year-old Pierce Kietzmann won a USA Powerlifting national title and set an American record.

Police accountability in Wilmington: Neighbors and advocates are demanding more details after a Wilmington officer shot and killed 19-year-old Kadir Skinner during a foot chase, with calls for the release of body camera footage as the case is investigated by Wilmington PD and the Delaware Department of Justice. Delaware education & equity: Delaware lawmakers approved a hybrid public school funding model aimed at directing more money to schools with large numbers of low-income students and English-language learners, with implementation now the next phase. HBCU opportunity: Delaware State University is leading an eHBCU course-sharing partnership that lets students take approved online classes at other member HBCUs without transferring. Community arts in Lewes: The Lewes Public Library’s SummerScape continues with the Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe performing July 8, plus more music and theater through July and August. Metallica Scholars: All Within My Hands’ Metallica Scholars Initiative expanded to over 90 schools with more than $3.3 million in grants for career and technical education. Heat & July 4 planning: A heat dome is expected to push dangerous temperatures across Delaware and the region heading into the holiday weekend.

Revolutionary Roots in Delaware: A new look at John Dickinson’s legacy—especially his missing 1776 Declaration signature—spotlights how the “penman” of the Revolution shaped early American identity, with Dickinson spending key years in Delaware. Founders, Reframed: Another America 250 piece zooms in on Thomas Jefferson’s Philadelphia days in 1776, from drafting work to everyday life, adding texture to the myth. Local History, Local Pride: Caesar Rodney’s 80-mile midnight ride from Delaware to Philadelphia is tied to the Declaration vote—plus a note on his statue’s complicated history. Community & Culture: Coastal Concerts honored volunteer “ambassadors” at a Lewes reception, including 2026 Volunteer Ambassador of the Year Matthew Wade. Delaware Education: Delaware will keep free and reduced-price meals available for the 2026-27 school year, with eligibility forms and protections for families. Delaware Policy Watch: The Delaware General Assembly wrapped up its session with late-night approvals, including major energy-user rules and other social and public-safety measures. Health & Safety: Delaware’s school meal policy update lands as measles spreads in the Philadelphia region, raising stakes for nearby communities.

Delaware Education & Equity: The Delaware Department of Education announced free and reduced-price meals for the 2026-27 school year, outlining how families apply and how eligibility is handled. State Budget & Community Infrastructure: On the final day of session, Delaware lawmakers approved a $1.25B FY2027 bond bill (House Bill 500) to fund road work, school construction, affordable housing, clean water, parks/trails, and economic development. Entrepreneurship & Youth Learning: UD’s Alfred Lerner College named Dan Freeman to lead the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, effective July 1, as the university reorganizes its entrepreneurship programs. Arts & Summer Culture: A July community arts calendar highlights festivals and activations across the region, while America 250 coverage continues to spotlight how communities are telling the nation’s story. Health & Care Leadership: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia selected Stella T. Chou, MD, as Chief of the Division of Hematology, starting July 1. Food Culture (Coastal): A quahog explainer looks at Delaware Bay–adjacent shellfish culture and why these clams matter beyond the plate.

State Budget & Education: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget into law, a $6.99B plan aimed at education (nearly $200M), affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, and a stronger state workforce. Marriage Equality: Delaware lawmakers passed the first leg of a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry, after a last-minute reversal by three members helped secure passage in the House. Heat Safety: Cooling centers opened across Delmarva as temperatures push past 100, with multiple free sites listed in Kent and Sussex counties. Public Health at Home: DSHA and the American Heart Association partnered to provide blood pressure monitors, stations, and education in Kent and Sussex public housing communities. Arts & Community: Roxey Ballet will debut “George Washington Crossing the Delaware” for America 250 in Lambertville, with free admission. Culture & Inclusion: Dove and the CROWN Coalition marked National CROWN Day (July 3) spotlighting the next generation of voices against race-based hair discrimination. Local Lifestyle: Delaware’s “sensory-friendly” event guide highlights quieter, accommodating outings for neurodivergent visitors.

America 250 Celebrations: Delaware North is rolling out America’s 250th anniversary with limited-time guest experiences across its U.S. portfolio, from NASA-linked sites to parks and MLB venues. Arts & Music: Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) brings Thurman Barker to the Tusten Theatre on July 11, celebrating his album “Beyond The Curve” with a jazz/funk/blues lineup. Local Independence Day: New Hope and Lambertville team up for “America Celebrates 250,” a free July 3–5 festival with reenactments, fireworks, drone shows, a parade, and a dragon boat race across the Delaware River. Citizenship & Community: Delaware and Maryland leaders praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, calling it a win for constitutional rights and immigrant communities. Public Safety Watch: Wilmington residents and advocates are pressing for more transparency after a police shooting of a 19-year-old, with a DOJ investigation expected to be closely watched. Education Spotlight: Cape Henlopen School District students earned top honors at Delaware Tech’s Academic Challenge Awards ceremony. Grid Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a Delaware law reshaping solar interconnection rules by tying them to a private model standard-setter. Health Policy: Democratic-led states, including Maryland, sued to block Trump administration Medicaid work requirements, arguing exemptions for medically frail people are being narrowed.

Delaware Hunting & Trapping: DNREC released the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide, with expanded Sunday hunting for all game, new youth hunt rules, more deer firearm options, a year-round coyote season, and updated Chronic Wasting Disease guidance. Delaware Sports & Events: Delaware Park is cutting back live racing during an extreme heat watch—no Thursday/Friday cards, earlier starts Wednesday and Saturday, and a shorter Saturday thoroughbred slate while keeping the Exotic Animal Races. Health & Aging: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester helped secure $1.25 million in federal funding for EHRI to strengthen behavioral health care for seniors at Milford Wellness Village, including support for PACE Your LIFE. College Sports Policy: A bipartisan college athletes’ compensation bill cleared a major Senate committee hurdle, but faces pushback from top conferences and a tight path before summer recess. AI & Work: A new report-style look at how AI is reshaping jobs focuses on workers’ need to pivot and use AI as a productivity tool while leaning harder on human skills. Medicaid Fight: 25 Democratic-led states and DC sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and will cost eligible people coverage. Local Safety & Accountability: Wilmington’s mayor and police chief urged patience as investigations continue after a fatal officer-involved shooting, asking residents near the scene to share video and information. Culture & Community: DVAA’s Riverfest returns July 27 in Narrowsburg with free music, kids’ activities, and a poster auction.

Delaware Outdoors: DNREC released the 2026-27 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide, with expanded Sunday hunting for all game species, a year-round coyote season, updated straight-walled rifle and muzzleloader specs, youth hunt age-rule changes, and new Chronic Wasting Disease info (with an addendum promised later this summer). LGBTQ+ & Housing: Nationally, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and allies urged HUD to withdraw a proposed housing rule they say would deny federal protections to LGBTQ+ people. Immigration Oversight: Delaware AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition pressing ICE to reverse a policy that ends investigations and public reporting of deaths shortly after release from custody. Local Business Tech: EvergreenHQ announced a native menu sync integration with Shift4 Dine POS, aiming to keep restaurant digital displays accurate in real time. Arts & History (Delaware 250): The John Dickinson Plantation’s new visitor center is set to open in August, with a flagship exhibit debuting in October, spotlighting “One Land, Many Voices.” Education & Community: Delaware Community Foundation hit a record $1 million+ in scholarships for 2026-27, supporting hundreds of students statewide. Health & Work: Final Medicaid work-requirement rules were released, with states scrambling to enforce them starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Education & Workforce: Delaware is expanding its “grow your own” teacher pipeline, adding 67 new educator apprentices from 12 districts and charters, bringing the statewide total to 105 and building classroom experience alongside low- or no-cost credential training. Faith & Community: An Intergenerational Worship Summit is inviting churches to “grow together in faith” by centering shared gifts and cross-age conversations, part of the Growing Together in Faith initiative. Culture & Learning: Delaware State Parks is launching a virtual 5K to celebrate its 75th anniversary, with runs/walks/rolls at any park from June 22 to Dec. 1 and proceeds supporting programs, scholarships, and events. Civic Life & Rights: A Delaware House vote fell short of the supermajority needed to enshrine constitutional marriage equality, keeping the issue alive for a possible future reconsideration. Arts & Military Families: Blue Star Museums is offering free admission this summer for active-duty service members and eligible families at participating Delaware cultural sites. America 250 (Local Flavor): Washington Crossing Historic Park is hosting a big Independence Day celebration for the nation’s 250th, with free concert-and-fireworks plans plus Declaration readings and living history activities.

Delaware Budget Watch: Delaware lawmakers passed the state’s nearly $7B operating budget plus $146M in one-time funding for FY 2027, with debate focused on spending growth, taxes, and the risk of corporate “Dexit.” America 250 in Delaware: Delaware State Parks is launching a virtual Parks for Everyone 5K to mark its 75th anniversary, running through Dec. 1 and supporting parks, education, scholarships, lifeguards, and summer concerts. Community & Culture: The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) announced its 10th anniversary gala Oct. 24 in Rehoboth Beach, celebrating a decade of racial justice work through scholarships, advocacy, and cultural change. History & Heritage: Delaware’s Independence Day and America 250 plans also include local celebrations tied to the broader Semiquincentennial push across the region. Arts Access: Blue Star Museums continues through Sept. 7, offering free admission for active-duty military families at Delaware cultural sites like Winterthur and the Delaware Art Museum.

Immigration & Funding: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening to withhold transportation money from states that won’t join certain immigration enforcement actions, calling the conditions unlawful and harmful. Racial Justice in Delaware: The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) is gearing up for its 10th anniversary gala Oct. 24 in Rehoboth Beach, celebrating a decade of education, advocacy, and scholarship work. Community & Belonging: A Ridley Park man is building unity through a weekly Saturday walk at Gov. Printz Park—“togetherness and the conversation” as a post-COVID alternative to church. World Cup Pride: Cape Verde fans in Philadelphia turned a FIFA Fan Festival watch party into a family-style celebration after the tiny nation advanced to the knockout round. Delaware Outdoors: Delaware State Parks launches a virtual 5K to mark its 75th anniversary, running June 22–Dec. 1, with proceeds supporting parks, education, scholarships, and summer concerts. Arts & History: Winterthur’s 75th anniversary exhibit “At Home at Winterthur” explores life at the Du Pont estate across generations, from past to future. Education Behind Bars: Delaware awarded high school diplomas to 27 incarcerated students at prison commencements, part of 42 graduates statewide this academic year. Culture Calendar: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest returns July 12 with kayaking, canoeing, environmental partners, and hands-on arts and education.

Arts & Community: Delaware’s Blue Star Museums program is offering free admission this summer (through Sept. 7) to active-duty military and eligible families, with stops including Winterthur, Hagley, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. Education & Second Chances: Delaware prison commencements celebrated 27 incarcerated students earning high school diplomas at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution and Sussex Correctional Institution, part of the Groves Adult High School program. Immigration & Local Impact: In Milford, Haitian community members are bracing after a U.S. Supreme Court decision clears the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, raising fears of deportation and family disruption. Culture & Pride: Philly’s queen of Gay Bingo, Carlota Ttendant, is stepping away after 30 years and millions raised for AIDS research—marking the end of a beloved queer community ritual. Local Lifestyle: Newark approved a managed deer hunt at Redd Park this fall, using tightly controlled bow-only rules to reduce the urban deer population. Arts Spotlight: Winterthur’s 75th anniversary exhibit, “At Home at Winterthur,” offers a sweeping look at life at the estate across generations.

Arts & Local Culture: Winterthur’s 75th anniversary exhibit, “At Home at Winterthur,” turns the museum’s collection into a multi-generational story of Delaware’s Du Pont-era legacy and the people who shaped it. Education & Second Chances: Delaware prison commencements handed out 27 Groves Adult High School diplomas at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution and Sussex Correctional Institution, highlighting the state’s prison education push. Immigration & Community Impact: Gov. Matt Meyer and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride blasted a U.S. Supreme Court move that clears the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians—leaving Milford’s Haitian community anxious about what comes next. Policy & Daily Life: A bill to let Delaware towns extend last call from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. is now in the Senate, aiming to boost nightlife revenue and keep young professionals around. Sports & Schools: DIAA approved a new division realignment for 2027-2028, setting up changes for Delaware student-athletes. Community & Outdoors: Newark authorized a tightly controlled managed deer hunt at Redd Park this fall to reduce urban deer numbers.

Public Safety: New Castle County Police shared easy-to-read e-bike and e-scooter safety flyers, stressing that riders under 18 must wear helmets and urging parents to teach kids where they can legally ride. Local Culture & Community: Delaware’s summer calendar is packed, from Juneteenth celebrations in Lewes to outdoor concerts, improv nights, and family events like the Horseshoe Crab Festival in Milton. Education & Youth: National test results show major reading and math setbacks since COVID, with Delaware among states seeing double-digit drops in some scores. Local Governance & Daily Life: Newark is bringing back limited free downtown parking—16 spots for up to 15 minutes—to make quick stops easier for coffee and takeout. Arts & Books: American Girl is launching adult novels, with “Samantha: The Next Chapter” set for October 13, 2026. Sports: Brandon Watson returns to full-time racing at Delaware Speedway, aiming for a better finish at the ACDelco 159.

Arts & Community: Delaware and Wilmington earned top billing in SMU DataArts’ 10th annual Arts Vibrancy Index, ranking the state 11th nationwide and Wilmington 57th among arts-vibrant communities. Local Culture & Events: Delaware Art Museum is gearing up for “The People’s Gallery,” a community-driven exhibit opening in August with submissions from July 6–27 (or when capacity hits 600). Pride & Inclusion: ARL libraries are spotlighting LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2026 with curated resources and programming, including Delaware’s own Pride Month 2026 collection. Immigration & Safety: Delaware lawmakers passed two immigration enforcement bills—one limiting local cooperation with ICE at sensitive sites, and another restricting detentions based only on immigration warrants. Education & Workforce: Delaware students brought home six national SkillsUSA championships, plus 44 Skill Point Certificates, capping a record year for SkillsUSA Delaware. Historic Preservation: The Bank of Delaware building in Wilmington was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with plans for adaptive reuse as apartments.

Arts & Culture: Delaware ranks 11th nationwide for arts vibrancy, with Wilmington also recognized in SMU DataArts’ 10th annual Arts Vibrancy Index—an upbeat snapshot of local cultural momentum. Education & Workforce: Delaware students swept six national SkillsUSA championships and earned 44 Skill Point Certificates, capping record growth for SkillsUSA Delaware. Local Governance: Delaware House Speaker Mimi Minor Brown is pushing a framework to repurpose underutilized, half-empty school buildings—aiming to save money without taking power from local boards. LGBTQ+ Families & Law: Gov. Matt Meyer signed SB 250 to strengthen Delaware’s parentage law for children born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy, clearing legal gaps for modern families. Community & Philanthropy: The Delaware Community Foundation awarded a record $1,001,500 in scholarships to 233 students. Parks & Wellness: Delaware State Parks’ Parks for Everyone 5K fundraiser runs virtually through Dec. 1, with accessibility-focused options. Delaware Lifestyle: Miss Delaware’s Teen 2026, Erin Mayo of Lewes, was crowned and will represent the First State at Miss America’s Teen. Science in the Classroom: Cape Henlopen AP Biology students got hands-on CRISPR experience at UD’s Gene Editing Institute.